§ Mr. LORDENasked the Food Controller how long it is proposed to continue, national kitchens or restaurants, seeing that local authorities are in doubt if to proceed with those contemplated and partially equipped?
§ Colonel W. THORNEasked the Food Controller whether the national restaurant at New Bridge Street, E.C., is a financial success, if the whole capital expenditure has been met, and what has been the weekly profit, if any; and if he has in view to announce his policy with regard to the national kitchens?
§ Mr. McCURDYI can inform the hon. and gallant Member for Plaistow that the national restaurant at New Bridge Street is certainly a financial success. The weekly profit is, and has been for some time, £75, and it is anticipated that the capital outlay will have been completely met by the end of May. As regards future policy, on which the hon. Member for North St. Pancras has also inquired, the Consumers' Council have expressed approval of the establishment of national distributing kitchens and natonal restaurants, and are of opinion that the system should be continued and extended. The Food Controller is generally in accord with this recommendation, subject to the proviso that he considers that these institutions should probably come under local rather than national control. My Department is now in communication with the Local Government Board on this point.